16 Days | Discover Thailand | With Flights

Bangkok

Arrive in exotic Bangkok, Thailand's capital city. Transfer to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimatise to the new time zone.

Meals: None

Accommodation: TBC on Booking Confirmation

Bangkok

Begin your day with a city and temple tour of Bangkok, a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. Drive through Chinatown and then on to the colorful Indian Market. Visit serene Wat Po, the oldest and largest temple in the city, with the astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long and almost 50 feet high. Drive to Royal Avenue where most of the Government offices are located and the King's Palace. Later in the afternoon, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 5PM, followed by a light dinner with your fellow travelers.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: TBC on Booking Confirmation

Bangkok

Today is yours to explore Bangkok independently. Or, take the optional tour to the elaborate 18th-century Grand Palace, the symbol and ceremonial heart of the kingdom, and to Wat Phra Kaew, (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), with its brightly colored buildings, golden spires and gorgeous mosaics. You'll see the distinct contrast in style between the Thai-inspired Wat Phra Kaew and the European design of the Grand Palace. In the afternoon, embark on the optional canal tour along the Chao Phraya River passing by Wat Arun and other iconic landmarks as well as a scenic view of local life along the river. Then travel on a tuk-tuk to dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Optional: Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha (AM)
Optional: Bangkok Canal Tour with Dinner (PM)

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: TBC on Booking Confirmation

Bangkok Chiang Mai

Morning is at leisure before flying to Chiang Mai, the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The afternoon is free for individual interests, before a unique experience tonight. Join a local Chiang Mai family for an authentic Thai dinner in their home. Enjoy a tour of the home, a conversation about life in Chiang Mai and savor the great flavors of home-cooked food.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: TBC on Booking Confirmation

Chiang Mai

Morning is free to explore this vibrant city independently. In the afternoon, visit Sankampang Street, the center of handicrafts, for on-site demonstrations on how the silk, lacquer, and silver, wares are made. Later, visit the world's largest gem factory, to watch while the gemstones are cut and set. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: TBC on Booking Confirmation

Chiang Mai Doi Suthep Temple Chiang Mai

Start today's morning tour with Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Northern Thailand's most sacred temple, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha. Equally impressive is the mythological Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, with 306 steps leading up to the temple grounds. Visit a local jade factory, followed by an afternoon at leisure, or pamper yourself with an optional Thai massage.

Optional: Thai Traditional Massage (PM)

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: TBC on Booking Confirmation

Chiang Mai Chiang Rai

This morning, depart Chiang Mai and drive to scenic Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Or, join an afternoon optional excursion to Mae Chan, still inhabited by hill people, namely the Akha, Long Neck and Palong tribes. Visit one of the tribes to see their unique way of life and learn more about their culture.

Optional: Half Day Mae Chan Hill Tribe Village (PM)

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: TBC on Booking Confirmation

Chiang Rai  Mae Sai Border Town & Golden Triangle Chiang Rai

Travel to the border town of Mae Sai, at the tip of Thailand. At this border crossing, arrangements may be made to enter Myanmar*. Ascend to the hilltop viewpoint to see the famous "Golden Triangle" of Southeast Asia - the meeting point of the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. The locals call it "Sop Ruak", as this is also where the Mekong meets the Ruak River. Continue to the dramatic House of Opium at Golden Triangle, offering an informative exhibition on the history of opium which dates back almost 5,000 years. This afternoon, enjoy a locally prepared lunch before embarking on a long tail boat ride along the banks of the Mekong River between Myanmar, Laos and Thailand where you will see local farmers and fishermen at their craft and learn more about how this river played a role in the opium trade. End the day with a stop at an old teak forest and view centuries-old giant teak trees before returning to Chiang Rai for the evening.

*Entering Myanmar (Burma) requires a border crossing fee of approx US$45, payable locally. The opportunity to cross the border will depend on local conditions and cannot be guaranteed. If the border crossing is not possible, alternate arrangements will be made.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: TBC on Booking Confirmation

Chiang Rai  Sukhothai

Travel southward to Sukhothai, the birthplace of the Thai nation, founded in the 13th century by King Ramkhamhaeng. The country's first capital was established here in 1238 and lasted over two centuries. Sukhothai is world-famous for its over 100 historical sites and treasures, including some of the most beautiful Thai art and architecture in the country, created during the city's "golden era", between the 13th and 14th centuries. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore historical Sukhothai independently.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: TBC on Booking Confirmation

Sukhothai  Sukhothai Historical Park  Ayutthaya

After breakfast visit the Old Town of Sukhothai with its impressive Historical Park, immaculately restored and set among leafy hills and peaceful lotus ponds, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At this astonishing site, most of the remains of the original city can be seen. Marvel at the ancient Buddha figures, palaces, temples, and historical monuments and feel yourself drift back in time to a bygone era. Depart Sukhothai to Ayutthaya, the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai for over 400 years, once glorified as one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia. Ayutthaya Historical Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in the center of the city. Here, you can see the ruins of the former capital and its remaining palaces, monasteries, and towers - one can envision the grandeur and splendor that was once the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Continue to the Chai Wattanaram Temple, built by King Prasat Thong to honor his mother, conceived as a replica of the Angkor Temple. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: TBC on Booking Confirmation

Ayutthaya Bangkok Phuket

This morning, visit Bang Pa-In Palace, a collection of beautiful buildings in various architectural styles, surrounded by a lake. Originally built by King Prasat Thong in 1632, Bang Pa-In served as the Royal Summer Palace for the Thai kings. Drive to Bangkok Airport for your flight to Phuket, the largest island in Thailand. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure to begin your exploration of this "paradise on earth" with its world-class beaches and chic jet-set atmosphere. Tonight, perhaps sample some of the island's delicious Malay, Sri Lankan, and Thai cuisine in lively Phuket Town.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: TBC on Booking Confirmation

Phuket

Today is yours to just relax, rejuvenate and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. There is plenty to do and much to see in Phuket, including the Aquarium, Butterfly and Orchid Gardens and the Thai Village. In the older area of the town, discover the 19th-century buildings with their distinctive Sino-Portuguese architectural style. Be sure to stop at the buzzing market where villagers shop for their daily meals or watch the stoic monks on their daily alms rounds. Perhaps, join the full-day optional excursion to Phang Nga Bay and Lawa Island by Cruiser with lunch. Travel through mangrove jungles and limestone peaks, where cliffs rise vertically from the sea. Stop at Phang Nga Bay, one of the most unusual and beautiful coastal locations in the world and Lawa Island with its pristine white sand beaches before returning to Phuket.

Optional: Full Day Phang Nga Bay and Lawa Island by Cruiser with lunch

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: TBC on Booking Confirmation

Phuket

Full day at leisure to explore Phuket independently. Spend time in Patong, the island's most famous beach resort. Watch the trendsetters coming in droves to the many restaurants, boutiques and luxurious spas. Or, travel by speedboat on the optional full day excursion to the magnificent Phi Phi Islands. There'll be time to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, watch the fantastic colorful marine life, and spot the monkeys at Monkey Beach. Enjoy swimming, or sunbathing on the beach before returning to your hotel. On your last night in Phuket, enjoy the island's non-stop entertainment scene, at a choice of bars, clubs with live music and fabulous cabaret shows.

Optional: Full Day Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands by Speedboat with lunch

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: TBC on Booking Confirmation

Phuket Bangkok

Depart Phuket this afternoon by flight to Bangkok. Spend your last day in Thailand at leisure in Bangkok revisiting some of the city's fantastic sights, or shop to your heart's content for souvenirs and treasures at the city's many markets, boutiques and choice of different shops. Treat yourself to a delectable Thai dinner tonight at a world-class restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: TBC on Booking Confirmation

Bangkok Australia

Today its time to wrap up your discovery of Thailand and fly home! Make your way to the airport, check-in and board your flight. We hope you have enjoyed your time in Thailand!

Meals: Inflight Menu